History 321 Discussion Questions

July 12, 2006


  1. What do you think was the most important aspect of the platform of the Knights of Labor? 
  2. How would the platform be viewed by capital?  How would it be viewed by labour?  How were the Knights of Labor radical for their day?
  3. What is Ayer's argument and how does the article add to our understanding of the Gilded Age?
  4. What does Holway's testimony tell us about labour and capital in the Gilded Age?  What does Debs add to our understanding of that relationship?
  5. Based on the readings as a whole, what considerations or restrictions existed to protect worker health, safety, and welfare?